Apple is testing Douyin Pay, a mobile payment service from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, in China’s App Store. If approved, it will become the fourth payment method alongside Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Union Pay.
Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, is available only in mainland China and Hong Kong. It operates under local laws and regulations. The platform has over 766 million monthly active users, making it one of the most popular apps in the country.
How Douyin Pay Works
Douyin Pay launched in January 2021. It is built into the Douyin app and lets users link bank accounts or credit cards. People use it to buy in-app items, tip streamers, and transfer money to other users.
Adding Douyin Pay to Apple’s App Store could give millions of iPhone users in China a faster way to pay for apps and subscriptions.
Potential Market Impact
This move could help Apple strengthen its position in China’s mobile payment market. Douyin Pay’s audience is largely younger consumers—a group Apple wants to keep. Mobile wallets dominate transactions in China, so offering more options could improve user satisfaction.
If launched widely, the integration may boost in-app spending from Douyin’s massive user base. It could also increase Apple’s App Store revenue in the region. However, the rollout will require regulatory approval, as China closely monitors its payment industry.
